Gaming System and Method

ABSTRACT

A gaming system ( 10 ) comprising communications means ( 12 ) operated by a player ( 22 ), a games facilitator ( 20 ), and an invoicing means ( 18 ), independent of the games facilitator ( 20 ), for invoicing the player ( 22 ) for participating in the game. When the games facilitator ( 20 ) receives a first communication message ( 44 ) sent via the communications means ( 12 ) over a communications network ( 16 ) from the player ( 22 ), containing a set of game entry information, the invoicing means ( 18 ) is notified of the first communication message ( 44 ) by the communications network ( 16 ) or the games facilitator ( 20 ) and generates a game participation invoice having a unique invoice identifier ( 46 ) and communicates the unique invoice identifier ( 46 ) to the games facilitator ( 20 ) and the player ( 22 ). The games facilitator ( 20 ) enters the player ( 22 ) in the game, associates the player&#39;s game entry with the unique invoice identifier ( 46 ), compares the set of game entry information with a set of winning criteria to is determine a winner and sends a second communication message ( 58 ) containing winning information to a winner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming system and method. The gamingsystem and method is particularly relevant to a lottery.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, theword “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, willbe understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group ofintegers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group ofintegers.

BACKGROUND ART

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intendedto facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, itshould be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement oradmission that any of the material referred to was published, known orpart of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art inany jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

Many people enjoy participating in games, such as a lottery, where theyhave an opportunity to win a prize. Systems and methods have beendisclosed that use modern communications technology to facilitate theparticipation of people in such games. However, these systems andmethods may suffer from one or more of the following problems:

-   -   participants may fraudulently claim prizes to which they are not        entitled;    -   participants may be limited to submitting one entry to a game at        one time;    -   participation in only one type of game may be        facilitated—participants cannot choose the game they wish to        play from a plurality of games; and    -   illegal participants, for example people under eighteen years        old, may not be prevented from playing.

The present invention seeks to provide a gaming system and method thatalleviates some or all of these problems to some extent.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided agaming system comprising:

-   -   a communications network;    -   a games facilitator for facilitating a game, the games        facilitator arranged to be coupled to the communications network        and operable to receive via the communications network a        communication from a player using a communications means; and    -   an invoicing means for invoicing the player for participating in        the game, the invoicing means arranged to be coupled to the        communications network and independent of the games facilitator        but operable to communicate therewith via the communications        network;        wherein, the games facilitator is operable to receive a first        communication from the player containing a set of game entry        information, the first communication being sent via the        communications means via the communications network;        the communications network or the games facilitator is operable        to notify the invoicing means of the first communication;        the invoicing means is operable to generate a game participation        invoice having a unique invoice identifier in response to the        notification and to communicate the unique invoice identifier to        the games facilitator via the communications network;        the games facilitator is operable to enter the player in the        game and associate the player's game entry with the unique        invoice identifier; and        the games facilitator is operable to determine a winner of the        game by comparing the set of game entry information with a set        of winning criteria, and, if the player is determined to be the        winner, to send a second communication to the player containing        winning information.

This has the advantage that a unique invoice identifier, generated by anindependent third party—the invoicing means—is associated with theplayer's game entry allowing for independent verification that a personclaiming to be the winner actually is.

Preferably, the games facilitator comprises storage means for storingthe set of game entry information, the unique invoice identifier, theplayer's game entry, and the set of winning criteria.

Preferably, the games facilitator comprises processing means operableto:

-   -   receive the set of game entry information and the unique invoice        identifier;    -   enter the player in the game;    -   associate the player's game entry with the unique invoice        identifier; and    -   compare the set of game entry information with the set of        winning criteria to determine if the player is the winner.

More preferably, the processing means is further operable to send thesecond communication to the player determined to be the winner.

To further reduce the chance of an unentitled person successfullyclaiming to be the winner, it is desirable for the gaming system tofurther comprise registration means for registering the player toparticipate in the game. In this case, the registration means mayallocate the player a registration identifier that is included in theset of game entry information, and is associated with the players gameentry and the unique invoice identifier.

The registration identifier may be a password. For increased security,it is advantageous for the password to satisfy predetermined criteria.The predetermined criteria may require the password to be of at leastfour characters in length and comprise a combination of letters andnumerals.

The second communication may be receivable via the communications means.The communications means may have a communications identifier that isassociated with communications sent therefrom, and is associated withthe player's game entry.

Ideally, the communications means is a mobile phone. In this case, thecommunications identifier may be the phone number of the mobile phone.

Games program means may be stored in storage means of the gamesfacilitator or of the communications means to facilitate the entry ofthe player in the game. Preferably, the games program means istransferable to the storage means of the communications means from thestorage means of the games facilitator.

Preferably, the games program means is operable to facilitate selectionby the player of the game to be entered from a plurality of games. Theset of winning criteria may be a set of numbers or a winner of acompetition.

Preferably, the unique invoice identifier is also communicated to theplayer via the communications network.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided agaming method comprising:

-   -   receiving a first communication from a player containing a set        of game entry information;    -   receiving an invoice communication from an independent invoicer        containing a set of invoice information having a unique invoice        identifier;    -   entering the player in a game in association with the set of        invoice information;    -   determining a winner of the game by comparing the set of game        entry information with a set of winning criteria; and    -   sending a second communication message to the player containing        winning information if the player is determined to be the        winner.

Preferably, the gaming method further comprises storing the set of gameentry information, the set of invoice information, the player's gameentry, and the set of winning criteria.

Preferably, the gaming method further comprises registering the playerto participate in the game. In this case, the step of registering theplayer may comprise:

-   -   allocating the player a registration identifier;    -   including the registration identifier in the set of game entry        information; and    -   associating the registration identifier with the player's game        entry.

The registration identifier may be a password. It is advantageous forthe password to satisfy predetermined criteria for increased security.The predetermined criteria may require the password to be of at leastfour characters in length and comprise a combination of letters andnumerals.

Preferably, when there is a communications identifier associated withthe first communication, the gaming method further comprises associatingthe communications identifier with the player's game entry.

Preferably, the first communication is sent via a mobile phone. In sucha case, the communications identifier may be the phone number of themobile phone.

Preferably, the gaming method includes selecting the game to be enteredfrom a plurality of games.

The set of winning criteria may be a set of numbers or a winner of acompetition.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided aserver for use in a gaming system, the server being arranged to becoupled to a communications network and operable to communicate therebywith a player using a communications means and with an invoicing meansindependent of the server, wherein the server is operable to:

receive a first communication from the player containing a set of gameentry information, the first communication being sent via thecommunications means via the communications network; notify theinvoicing means of the first communication; receive a game participationinvoice having a unique invoice identifier from the invoicing means viathe communications network; enter the player in the game and associatethe player's game entry with the unique invoice identifier; determine awinner of the game by comparing the set of game entry information with aset of winning criteria; and, if the player is determined to be thewinner, send a second communication to the player containing winninginformation.

Preferably, the server comprises storage means for storing the set ofgame entry information, the unique invoice identifier, the players gameentry, and the set of winning criteria.

Preferably, the server comprises processing means operable to:

-   -   receive the set of game entry information and the unique invoice        identifier;    -   enter the player in the game;    -   associate the player's game entry with the unique invoice        identifier; and    -   compare the set of game entry information with the set of        winning criteria to determine if the player is the winner.

Preferably, the processing means is further operable to send the secondcommunication to the player determined to be the winner.

Preferably, the server further comprises registration means forregistering the player to participate in the game.

Preferably, the registration means allocates the player a registrationidentifier that is included in the set of game entry information, and isassociated with the player's game entry and the unique invoiceidentifier.

Preferably, the registration identifier comprises a password.

Preferably, the password satisfies predetermined criteria.

Preferably, the predetermined criteria comprises the password being ofat least four characters in length and comprising a combination ofletters and numerals.

Preferably, the second communication is received via the communicationsmeans.

Preferably, the communications means has a communications identifierassociated with communications sent therefrom, and the communicationsidentifier is associated with the player's game entry.

Preferably, the communications means comprises a mobile phone.

Preferably, the communications identifier is the phone number of themobile phone.

Preferably, the server further comprises games program means stored instorage means of the server or storage means of the communications meansto facilitate the entry of the player in the game.

Preferably, the games program means is transferable to the storage meansof the communications means from the storage means of the server.

Preferably, the games program means is operable to facilitate selectionby the player of the game to be entered from a plurality of games.

Preferably, the set of winning criteria comprises a set of numbers or awinner of a competition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a first embodiment of a gaming system andmethod in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a network diagram of the gaming system and method of FIG. 1.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment of a gaming system10 in accordance with the present invention. The gaming system 10comprises:

-   -   communications means in the form of a mobile phone 12;    -   a games program 14;    -   a communications network 16;    -   invoicing means in the form of an invoicing system 18; and    -   a games facilitator 20.

The mobile phone 12 is owned and operated by a player 22. The mobilephone 12 has storage means in the form of a memory, not shown, adaptedto store the games program 14 after transfer or download thereto.Additionally, the mobile phone 12 has an operating system, not shown,for executing application software stored in the memory, such as thegames program 14.

Please note that the communications means is not limited to being amobile phone, however. The communications means may be anycommunications device capable of sending and optionally receivingmessages via a communications network, including any mobilecommunications device, Personal Computer (“PC”) 13, Personal DigitalAssistant (“PDA”) 15, satellite phone, landline telephone 17, wristwatch communicator, input device, or dedicated gaming device.

The communications network 16 and invoicing system 18 are owned and/oroperated by a carrier, not shown. The communications network 16facilitates global data communication between parties connected thereto,so the parties are not limited to being in particular countries orregions to communicate via the communications network 16.

The communications network 16 includes all features of known cellularradiotelephone networks—including a number of base stations BS1, BS2,and a network service centre 24. The communications network 16 comprisesa number of “cells” 25—each cell being served by a base station. Mobilestations, such as the mobile phone 12, can roam within thecommunications network 16, and are in communication with the basestation serving the cell in which they are located—provided that theyare either in an active mode or a standby or “listening” mode. Thus, themobile stations are able to send and receive signals to and from thebase stations BS1, BS2 to transmit data—such as audio, control and textdata—to the network service centre 24, and from there to it's intendedrecipient, such as other mobile stations, or servers such as Internetservers.

In the embodiment described, the communications network 16 is a GlobalSystem for Mobile Communication (“GSM”) network. GSM cellular radiotelephone networks, the operation of such networks, and terminals usingthe networks are well known to persons skilled in the art, and thereforeneed not be described in any further detail herein, except in so far asis relevant to the present invention. Please note that thecommunications network 16 is not limited to being a GSM network, andalternative embodiments of the invention may use other communicationsprotocols.

The carrier provides a Short Message Service (“SMS”) on thecommunications network 16, and, in this regard, the network servicecentre 24 includes a short message service centre (“SMSC”) 27 that isoperable to manage the SMS functions of the communications network 16.In particular the SMSC 27 receives SMS messages from a variety ofsources, identifies the sender, the content and the recipient for themessage, and delivers it to that recipient.

A subscriber or user of the communications network 16 can send orreceive text messages using the SMS provided on the communicationsnetwork 16, for example using a mobile station such as the mobile phone12, or using a computer such as a facilitator computer 29 of the gamesfacilitator 20 coupled to an SMS gateway via the Internet, or any othersuitable means.

The invoicing system 18 is operably associated with the SMSC 27 togenerate an invoice or charge to the sender of the SMS identified by theSMSC 27. The amount of the invoice or charge generated may varyaccording to a number of factors which may include the identity of thesender, the identify of the recipient, and/or the content of the SMS asidentified by the SMSC 27.

The mobile phone 12 is in data communication with the facilitatorcomputer 29 of the games facilitator 20 via the communications network16. The facilitator computer 29 of the games facilitator 20 is also indata communication with the invoicing system 18 via the communicationsnetwork 16.

The invoicing system 18 has an accounts database 26. The accountsdatabase has a plurality of records 28. Each record 28 comprises a setof account information relating to a user of the communications network16, including:

-   -   name;    -   address;    -   date of birth;    -   password for confirming the user's identity; and    -   identifiers for communication devices owned by the user used on        the communications network 16, e.g. mobile phone numbers, email        addresses, etc.

The password must satisfy predetermined criteria. In the embodimentdescribed, the password must be of at least four characters and comprisea combination of letters and numerals.

Each record 28 is allocated to a particular user of the communicationsnetwork 16. One of the records 28 is for the player 22, and hereaftershall be referred to as the player record 30. The player record 30facilitates the invoicing of the player 22 by the carrier for theplayer's 22 use of the communications network 16.

The functions of the above components, and additional features of thegaming system 10, will now be described with reference to the gamingsystem 10 in use.

The carrier allocates a pre-designated telephone number to the gamesfacilitator 20. The pre-designated telephone number is used to designatethe games facilitator 20 as the recipient of communication messages sentvia the communications network 16. The pre-designated telephone numberis a global or worldwide telephone number, and may be used from aconnection to the communications network 16 anywhere in the world toidentify the games facilitator 20 as the recipient of a communicationmessage sent thereby.

To participate in a game, a first time player 22 sends an SMS message 32to the pre-designated number via the mobile phone 12.

The facilitator computer 29 of the games facilitator 20 comprises agaming application server cluster having facilitator memory for storinga registration database 36, a game entry database 48, a facilitatorprogram, not shown, and a facilitator operating system for executingapplication software stored in the facilitator memory, such as thefacilitator program. Additionally, the facilitator computer 29 comprisesa processor, not shown, coupled to the facilitator memory.

The facilitator computer 29 receives the SMS message 32 sent to thepre-designated number.

In response to receiving the SMS message 32, the facilitator computer 29transmits an address of the facilitator memory at which the gamesprogram 14 is located to the mobile phone 12 and requires the player 22to execute a download sequence to download the games program 14. Uponcompletion of the download sequence, the mobile phone 12 stores thegames program 14 in the memory of the mobile phone 12.

Once stored in the memory of the mobile phone 12, the games program 14is executable by the operating system on command of the player 22.

When executed for the first time, the games program 14 presents a set ofregistration questions to the player 22, requesting information aboutthe player 22 that is substantially equivalent to the informationrecorded in the player record 30 and additionally includes the creditcard account details of the player 22.

The player's 22 responses to the registration questions comprises a setof registration information. Once the player 22 has responded to all ofthe registration questions, the games program 14 sends the set ofregistration information in an SMS message 34 to the facilitatorcomputer 29 of the games facilitator 20 via the mobile phone 12.

On receipt of the SMS message 34 containing the set of registrationinformation, the games facilitator 20 via the facilitator computer 29registers the player 22 for participation in the game by entering theset of registration information in the registration database 36.Additionally, the games facilitator 20 allocates the player 22 aregistration number 38 corresponding to the set of registrationinformation.

Once the registration number 38 has been allocated, the gamesfacilitator 20 sends the player 22 an SMS message 40 confirming that theplayer 22 has successfully registered to participate in the game andinforming the player 22 of the allocated registration number 38. Thegames program 14 records the allocated registration number 38 in thememory of the mobile phone 12.

In some cases, the games facilitator 20 may be unable to enter the setof registration information in the registration database 36. This mayoccur when, for example, there is an error in the credit card accountdetails provided by the player 22. In such a situation, the gamesfacilitator 20 sends the player 22 an SMS message 42 informing theplayer 22 that the player's 22 attempt to register to participate in thegame has been unsuccessful and prompting the player 22 to repeat theregistration process.

The date of birth information included in the details of the playerrecord 30 may reveal that the player 22 is too young to legallyparticipate in the game. In this case, the games facilitator 20 sendsthe player 22 an SMS message 43 informing the player 22 that the player22 is too young to register to participate in the game and inviting theplayer 22 to attempt to register again once the player 22 is older.

On subsequent executions of the games program 14, the games program 14confirms that the player 22 has been successfully registered by checkingfor the registration number 38 in the memory of the mobile phone 12. Ifthe player 22 has not been successfully registered, then theregistration process is repeated as described previously.

If the player 22 has been successfully registered, the games program 14presents a set of game questions to the player, requesting informationpertinent to the game. In the first embodiment, the game is a lottery,and the pertinent information includes six numbers between 1 and 44selected by the player 22, as well as the registration number 38. Theplayer's 22 responses to the set of game questions comprises a set ofgame entry information. Once the player 22 has responded to all of thegame questions, the games program 14 sends the set of game entryinformation in an SMS message 44 to the games facilitator 20 via themobile phone 12.

The games facilitator 20 conducts a predetermined number of rounds ofgames over a particular time period, with the opportunity for the player22 to enter a particular round ceasing at a predetermined time at theend of the period. If the player 22 attempts to enter a particular roundafter the predetermined time has lapsed, the player 22 is entered in thegame of the following round. The procedure for game entry is describedin further detail below.

In the embodiment described, the games facilitator 20 conducts tworounds of lottery each week, one on a first predetermined day, and oneon a second predetermined day. The opportunity for the player 22 toenter the round conducted on the first predetermined day expires at afirst predetermined time on the first predetermined day. Similarly, theopportunity for the player 22 to enter the round conducted on the secondpredetermined day expires at a second predetermined time on the secondpredetermined day.

If the player 22 attempts to enter the round conducted on the firstpredetermined day after the first predetermined time has expired, theplayer 22 is entered in the following round, conducted on the secondpredetermined day. In a similar manner, if the player 22 attempts toenter the round conducted on the second predetermined day after thesecond predetermined time has expired, the player 22 is entered in thefollowing round, conducted on the first predetermined day.

Each round is allocated a unique round number 47 by the gamesfacilitator 20. The unique round number 47 is used to identify theround.

When the SMS message 44 is sent, the carrier charges a game entry fee tothe player record 30 via the invoicing system 18 as follows.

As discussed previously, prior to being delivered to a recipient, sentSMS messages are received by the SMSC 27 of the network service centre24.

On receiving the SMS message 44, the SMSC 27 of the network servicecentre 24 identifiers the sender of the SMS message 44 as the player 22,the recipient of the SMS message 44 as the games facilitator 20, and thecontent of the SMS message 44 as the set of game entry information.

On identification of the content of the SMS message 44 as the set ofgame entry information by the SMSC 27, the invoicing system 18 generatesan invoice or charge corresponding to the game entry fee to the playerrecord 30 of the identified player 22. As the game entry fee is chargedto the player record 30 of the player 22, the player 22 does not have toopen a bank account to participate in the game—the existing playerrecord 30 of the accounts database 26 is used.

Additionally, an invoice number 46, recording and containing details ofthis charge, is allocated by the invoicing system 18 and communicated tothe SMSC 27.

The SMSC 27 then delivers the SMS message 44, and the invoice number 46,to the games facilitator 20.

On receipt of the SMS message 44 containing the set of game entryinformation, and the invoice number 46, the games facilitator 20, viathe facilitator computer 29, records the time of receipt of the same ina time stamp 49, that is subsequently used to determine the unique roundnumber 47 of the game the player 22 will be entered into. It isimportant to note that the time stamp 49 records the time of receipt ofthe SMS message 44 by the games facilitator 20, and not the time the SMSmessage 44 was sent according to the mobile phone 12.

The games facilitator 20 then enters the player 22 in the game via thefacilitator computer 29. This is achieved by entering the set of gameentry information including the registration number 38, thecorresponding invoice number 46, and the time stamp 49 in the game entrydatabase 48.

The set of game entry information including the registration number 38,the corresponding invoice number 46, and the time stamp 49, comprise oneentry in the game entry database 48, and are allocated a unique entrynumber 50 by the games facilitator 20 via the facilitator computer 29.

Once the entry number 50 has been allocated, the games facilitator 20sends the player 22 an SMS message 52 confirming that the player 22 hassuccessfully entered the game, and informing the player 22 of thefollowing information which is subsequently recorded by the gamesprogram 14 in the memory of the mobile phone 12:

-   -   the entry number 50;    -   the time stamp 49;    -   the unique round number 47 corresponding to the time stamp 49;    -   the invoice number 46; and    -   the game entry fee charged.

In the event that the games facilitator 20 is unable to enter any of theset of game entry information, the corresponding invoice number 46, thetime stamp 49, or the unique round number 47 in the game entry database48, the games facilitator 20 sends the player 22 an SMS message 54informing the player 22 that the player's 22 attempt to enter the gamehas been unsuccessful and prompting the player 22 to try again. This maybe the case when the set of game entry information provided by theplayer 22 only includes three numbers, rather than six, for example.

Subsequently, the player 22 may enter the game multiple times, with eachentry being entered in the game entry database 48 as described above;and allocated a unique entry number 50 by the games facilitator 20 asdescribed previously.

The games program 14 facilitates the player 22 saving a plurality ofsets of six “lucky” numbers in the memory of the mobile phone 12. Aparticular set of lucky numbers from the plurality of sets of luckynumbers may be selected by the player 22 in response to the set of gamequestions when entering a game.

The games program 14 also facilitates the player 22 sending a pluralityof entries to a game simultaneously, as an alternative to submitting oneentry at a time.

In such a case:

-   -   each set of six numbers comprising an entry of the plurality of        entries selected by the player 22 in the set of game entry        information is separated by a semicolon;    -   the SMSC 27 of the carrier determines the number of entries in        the plurality of entries by counting the number of semicolons,        and a proportionate game entry fee is charged via the invoicing        system 18; and    -   the SMS message 52 confirming that the player 22 has        successfully entered the game informs the player 22 of the entry        number 50 assigned to each entry in the plurality of entries and        the total game entry fee charged.

After the opportunity for the player 22 to enter the game roundcorresponding to the unique round number 47 expires, the gamesfacilitator 20, via the facilitator computer 29, determines a winningentry 56 for the game round from the entries in the game entry database48. The facilitator computer 29 of the games facilitator 20 makes thedetermination by generating a set of six random numbers from 1 to 44,and comparing this with the six numbers selected in the set of gameentry information for each entry in the game entry database 48. Theentry for which the six numbers selected in the set of game entryinformation match the set of six random numbers is deemed to be thewinning entry 56.

If the entry number 50 of the player 22 is determined to be the winningentry 56, then the games facilitator 20 sends the player 22 an SMSmessage 58 notifying the player 22 of their win. The SMS message 58additionally instructs the player 22 to contact the games facilitator 20within five working days by sending an SMS message via the mobile phone12 stating the registration number 38, the player's 22 password, theinvoice number 46 and the entry number 50 to claim a prize. In theembodiment described the prize is an amount of money. In an alternativeembodiment, the prize is an item of value, such as a house or car.

In the event that there is no entry for which the six numbers selectedin the set of game entry information match the set of six randomnumbers, i.e. there is no winning entry 56, the prize for the game round“jackpots” and is added to the prize for the following game round.

On receipt of the SMS message 58, to claim a prize the player 22 sendsan SMS message 60 in response to the games facilitator 20 confirmingthat the player 22 wishes to receive the prize and stating theregistration number 38, the player's 22 password, the invoice number 46and the entry number 50.

On receipt of the SMS message 60, the facilitator computer 29 of thegames facilitator 20 compares the registration number 38, the player's22 password, the invoice number 46 and the entry number 50 contained inthe SMS message 60 and the phone number of the phone used to send theSMS message 60 with:

-   -   the set of registration information in the registration database        36 corresponding to the registration number 38; and    -   the set of game entry information and the invoice number 46 in        the game entry database 48 corresponding to entry number 50;        to verify that that the sender of the SMS message 60 is the        player 22.

Once so verified, the games facilitator 20 provides the prize to theplayer 22 in an appropriate manner depending on the prize. For example,in the embodiment described where the prize is an amount of money, thegames facilitator 20 posts the prize to the address of the player 22, orcredits the prize to the credit card account of the player 22. Wherenecessary, the games facilitator 20 retrieves the necessary address orcredit card account details from the set of registration information inthe registration database 36 corresponding to the registration number38.

In an alternative embodiment, where the prize is a small amount ofmoney, for example less than $100, the games facilitator 20 may creditthe prize to the player record 30 of the player 22 in the accountsdatabase 26 of the invoicing system 18, i.e. as a credit to the player's22 account with the carrier.

In alternative embodiments, where the prize is a large item, such as acar or boat, the game's facilitator 20 may deliver the prize to theplayer's 22 address. Where the prize is a house, the games facilitator20 may organise to meet with the player 22 to arrange for transfer ofownership of the house to the player 22.

The games facilitator 20 can receive SMS messages from communicationsdevices other than the mobile phone 12, such as a personal computer, ora different mobile phone. The games facilitator 20 will disregard anySMS messages it receives from such communications devices purporting tobe the SMS message 50. In this manner, the sender of such an SMS messagewill not be verified as the player 22 and the prize will not be postedor credited.

If the entry number 50 of the player 22 is determined not to be thewinning entry 56, then the games facilitator 20 sends the player 22 anSMS message 62 informing the player 22 that they did not win andinviting the player 22 to play again. The SMS message 62 additionallyinforms the player 22 of the set of six random numbers generated by thegames facilitator 20, i.e. the winning numbers.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the gamesfacilitator 20 also determines a first and a second consolation prizewinning entry 64 and 66 from the entries in the game entry database 48.The entry for which five of the six numbers selected in the set of gameentry information match five of the numbers in the set of six randomnumbers is deemed to be the first consolation prize winning entry 64.The entry for which four of the six numbers selected in the set of gameentry information match four of the numbers in the set of six randomnumbers is deemed to be the second consolation prize winning entry 66.

Players whose entries correspond to the first consolation prize winningentry 64, or the second consolation prize winning entry 66, obtaincorresponding consolation prizes in a process similar to that describedabove in relation to the winning entry 56.

In the case where more than one player has an entry corresponding to thewinning entry 56, the amount of money comprising the prize in theembodiment described is evenly distributed amongst the winning players.

The amount of money comprising the consolation prizes, if provided for,is similarly evenly distributed if more than one player has an entrycorresponding to the first consolation prize winning entry 64, or thesecond consolation prize winning entry 66.

In an alternative embodiment where the prize is an item, such as ahouse, and more than one player has an entry corresponding to thewinning entry 56, the item is sold, and the amount of money raisedthrough the sale of the item is evenly distributed amongst the winningplayers.

Revenue generated from the player's 22 participation in the game arisingfrom the game entry fee charged is shared between the games facilitator20 and the carrier according to an agreement between them. Suchagreement may also include the sharing of revenue generated fromcommunications sent by the player 22 to the games facilitator 20 via thecommunications network 16, such as SMS message 32.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, where likenumerals represent like parts, the game is a set of sportingcompetitions, such as a set of football matches (“footy tipping”), a setof boxing matches, or a set of horse races (“horse betting”). In thiscase the information pertinent to the game requested by the set of gamequestions includes' a team or an individual selected by the player 22 towin each sporting competition in the set of sporting competitions, aswell as the registration number 38.

The winning entry 56 is determined by the games facilitator 20 notingthe team or individual who actually wins each sporting competition, andcomparing this with the team or individual selected in the set of gameentry information for each entry in the game entry database 48. Theentry for which the most number of winners is picked is deemed to be thewinning entry 56.

It should be appreciated that the game can be any game or competitionfrom which a winner can be determined. In addition to the games alreadymentioned, the game comprise casino gaming, network gaming, and boardgaming.

Indeed, in an alternative embodiment, the information pertinent to thegame requested by the set of game questions includes only a notificationthat the player 22 wishes to participate in the game. The winning entry56 is then determined by the games facilitator 20 randomly selecting anentry from the entries in the game entry database 48.

In a further alternative embodiment, the information pertinent to thegame requested by the set of game questions includes a notification thatthe player 22 wishes to have a random, or “slikpik” entry. In this case,the games facilitator 20 randomly chooses the selections for the set ofgame entry information for the player 22, according to the game beingplayed.

It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that theinvention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular,the invention as described can include the following modificationsand/or additions:

-   -   The games facilitator 20 may provide a plurality of games, such        as a lottery, footy tipping and horse betting. In this case, the        games program 14 is operable to allow the player 22 to select        which of the plurality of games they wish to participate in. For        example, the player 22 may operate the games program 14 to        participate in a lottery game, and then subsequently operate the        games program 14 to participate in a footy tipping game.    -   The set of registration information may be stored in the memory        of the mobile phone 12. In such a case, rather than presenting a        set of registration questions to the player 22 to facilitate        registration of the player 22, the games program 14 copies the        set of registration information directly from the memory of the        mobile phone 12.    -   The registration number 38 may be a “blind” number that is never        readable by the player 22. In this case, although the        registration number 38 is still recorded in the memory of the        mobile phone 12, the player 22 is not informed of what the        registration number 38 is. The games program 14 automatically        inserts the registration number 38 into SMS messages sent via        the mobile phone 12 to the games facilitator 20.    -   The games facilitator 20 may have a games website which may be        accessed to initiate the transmission of the games program 14        from the games facilitator 20 to the mobile phone 12. In one        embodiment of the invention, where there is such a website, the        mobile phone 12 additionally comprises a Wireless Application        Protocol (“WAP”) browser. The WAP browser is operable by the        player 22 via the mobile phone 12 to access the games website        and download and store the games program 14 in the memory of the        mobile phone 12.    -   The games facilitator 20 may have a registration website        facilitating the registration of the player 22. To register, the        player 22 accesses the registration website. The registration        website then presents the set of registration questions to the        player 22. The player's 22 responses to the registration        questions, namely the set of registration information, is        processed by the games facilitator 20 as described previously        once the player 22 has responded to all of the registration        questions, with the games facilitator 20 communicating with the        player 22 via the registration website.    -   Once the player 22 is registered, the player may enter games        without using the games program 14. To enter a game in this        manner, the player 22 sends an SMS message comprising the        registration number 38 and the set of game entry information to        the games facilitator 20.    -   Rather than the carrier determining the number of entries to a        game, and charging a proportionate game entry fee via the        invoicing system 18, the games facilitator 20 may determine the        number of entries to a game, and inform the carrier of the fee        to be charged for the same. In this case, when the SMS message        44 is sent, the carrier charges a basic fee to the players        record 30 via the invoicing system 18. The details of the basic        fee are recorded in the invoice number 46 and communicated to        the games facilitator 20. For each game that the player 22 is        entered into, the games facilitator 20 adds a game fee to the        basic fee to determine a total fee. The total fee is then        communicated from the games facilitator 20 to the carrier and        invoiced to the players record 30 via the invoicing system 18.    -   The invoicing system 18 may be owned and/or operated by an        entity other than the carrier, provided that the entity is        independent of the games facilitator 20.    -   Although described in relation to a mobile phone 12 and SMS        messages, the invention is not so limited, and any appropriate        communications means and communication message format may be        used.    -   The player 22 may automatically be entered into a game on        registration;    -   The games program may be stored in a memory of a games computer        such as a server operated by the games facilitator. In such a        case, the player may operate the communications means to connect        to the games computer and execute the games program via the        communications network;    -   The facilitator computer of the games facilitator may comprise        security means, such as a firewall, to prevent unauthorised        access thereto;    -   The games facilitator may comprise identifying means for        identifying a communications message sent from or via an        unauthorised source. The unauthorised source may, for example,        be a player who is not permitted to participate in the game        because of residence in a country where participation in the        game is illegal or because of committing a prohibited action, an        unwelcome marketeer such as a spammer, or a communications        network operated by a different carrier or service provider. In        such a case, the games facilitator preferably further comprises        blocking means to block communications messages identified by        the identifying means as being sent from or via an unauthorised        source;    -   Communications sent via the communications network 16 from the        mobile phone 12 such as the SMS message 44 may be encrypted.        Such encryption reduces the likelihood of fraud being committed,        and also reduces the likelihood of errors in communications        sent.

It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art thatvariations and combinations of features described above, not beingalternatives or substitutes, can be combined to form yet furtherembodiments falling within the intended scope of the invention.

1. A gaming system comprising: a communications network; a gamesfacilitator for facilitating a game, the games facilitator arranged tobe coupled to the communications network and operable to receive via thecommunications network a communication from a player using acommunications means; and an invoicing means for invoicing the playerfor participating the game, the invoicing means arranged to be coupledto the communications network and independent of the games facilitatorbut operable to communicate therewith via the communications network;wherein, the games facilitator is operable to receive a firstcommunication from the player containing a set of game entryinformation, the first communication being sent via the communicationsmeans via the communications network; the communications network or thegames facilitator is operable to notify the invoicing means of the firstcommunication; the invoicing means is operable to generate a gameparticipation invoice having a unique invoice identifier in response tothe notification and to communicate the unique invoice identifier to thegames facilitator via the communications network; the games facilitatoris operable to enter the player in the game and associate the player'sgame entry with the unique invoice identifier; and the games facilitatoris operable to determine a winner of the game by comparing the set ofgame entry information with a set of winning criteria, and, if theplayer is determined to be the winner, to send a second communication tothe player containing winning information.
 2. A gaming system as claimedin claim 1, wherein the games facilitator comprises storage means forstoring the set of game entry information, the unique invoiceidentifier, the players game entry, and the set of winning criteria. 3.A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the games facilitatorcomprises processing means operable to: receive the set of game entryinformation and the unique invoice identifier; enter the player in thegame; associate the player's game entry with the unique invoiceidentifier; and compare the set of game entry information with the setof winning criteria to determine if the player is the winner.
 4. Agaming system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the processing means isfurther operable to send the second communication to the playerdetermined to be the winner.
 5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1,further comprising registration means for registering the player toparticipate in the game.
 6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 5,wherein the registration means allocates the player a registrationidentifier that is included in the set of game entry information, and isassociated with the player's game entry and the unique invoiceidentifier.
 7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 6, wherein theregistration identifier comprises a password.
 8. A gaming system asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the password satisfies predeterminedcriteria.
 9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8, wherein thepredetermined criteria comprises the password being of at least fourcharacters in length and comprising a combination of letters andnumerals.
 10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondcommunication message is received via the communications means.
 11. Agaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communications meanshas a communications identifier associated with communications messagessent therefrom, and the communications identifier is associated with theplayer's game entry.
 12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe communications means comprises a mobile phone.
 13. A gaming systemas claimed in claim 12, wherein the communications identifier is thephone number of the mobile phone.
 14. A gaming system as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising games program means stored in the storagemeans of the games facilitator or storage means of the communicationsmeans to facilitate the entry of the player in the game.
 15. A gamingsystem as claimed in claim 14, wherein the games program means istransferable to the storage means of the communications means from thestorage means of the games facilitator.
 16. A gaming system as claimedin claim 14, wherein the games program means is operable to facilitateselection by the player of the game to be entered from a plurality ofgames.
 17. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set ofwinning criteria comprises a set of numbers or a winner of acompetition.
 18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein theunique invoice identifier is also communicated to the player via thecommunications network.
 19. A gaming method comprising: receiving afirst communication from a player containing a set of game entryinformation; receiving an invoice communication from an independentinvoicer containing a set of invoice information having a unique invoiceidentifier; entering the player in a game in association with the set ofinvoice information; determining a winner of the game by comparing theset of game entry information with a set of winning criteria; andsending a second communication to the player containing winninginformation if the player is determined to be the winner.
 20. A gamingmethod as claimed in claim 19, further comprising storing the set ofgame entry information, the set of invoice information, the player'sgame entry, and the set of winning criteria.
 21. A gaming method asclaimed in claim 19, further comprising registering the player toparticipate in the game.
 22. A gaming method as claimed in claim 21,wherein the step of registering the player comprises: allocating theplayer a registration identifier; including the registration identifierin the set of game entry information; and associating the registrationidentifier with the player's game entry.
 23. A gaming method as claimedin claim 22, wherein the registration identifier comprises a password.24. A gaming method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the passwordsatisfies predetermined criteria.
 25. A gaming method as claimed inclaim 24, wherein the predetermined criteria comprises the passwordbeing of at least four characters in length and comprising a combinationof letters and numerals.
 26. A gaming method as claimed in any one ofclaim 19, wherein there is a communications identifier associated withthe first communications, the method further comprising associating thecommunications identifier with the player's game entry.
 27. A gamingmethod as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first communication is sentvia a mobile phone.
 28. A gaming method as claimed in claim 27, whereinthe communications identifier is the phone number of the mobile phone.29. A gaming method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising selectingthe game to be entered from a plurality of games.
 30. A gaming method asclaimed in claim 19, wherein the set of winning criteria comprises a setof numbers or a winner of a competition.
 31. A server for use in agaming system, the server being arranged to be coupled to acommunications network and operable to communicate thereby with a playerusing a communications means and with an invoicing means independent ofthe server, wherein the server is operable to: receive a firstcommunication from the player containing a set of game entryinformation, the first communication being sent via the communicationsmeans via the communications network; notify the invoicing means of thefirst communication; receive a game participation invoice having aunique invoice identifier from the invoicing means via thecommunications network; enter the player in the game and associate theplayer's game entry with the unique invoice identifier; determine awinner of the game by comparing the set of game entry information with aset of winning criteria; and, if the player is determined to be thewinner, send a second communication to the player containing winninginformation.
 32. A server as claimed in claim 31, wherein the servercomprises storage means for storing the set of game entry information,the unique invoice identifier, the player's game entry, and the set ofwinning criteria.
 33. A server as claimed in claim 31, wherein theserver comprises processing means operable to: receive the set of gameentry information and the unique invoice identifier; enter the player inthe game; associate the player's game entry with the unique invoiceidentifier; and compare the set of game entry information with the setof winning criteria to determine if the player is the winner.
 34. Aserver as claimed in claim 33, wherein the processing means is furtheroperable to send the second communication to the player determined to bethe winner.
 35. A server as claimed in claim 31, further comprisingregistration means for registering the player to participate in thegame.
 36. A server as claimed in claim 35, wherein the registrationmeans allocates the player a registration identifier that is included inthe set of game entry information, and is associated with the player'sgame entry and the unique invoice identifier.
 37. A server as claimed inclaim 36, wherein the registration identifier comprises a password. 38.A server as claimed in claim 37, wherein the password satisfiespredetermined criteria.
 39. A server as claimed in claim 38, wherein thepredetermined criteria comprises the password being of at least fourcharacters in length and comprising a combination of letters andnumerals.
 40. A server as claimed in claim 31, wherein the secondcommunication is received via the communications means.
 41. A server asclaimed in claim 31, wherein the communications means has acommunications identifier associated with communications sent therefrom,and the communications identifier is associated with the player's gameentry.
 42. A server as claimed in claim 41, wherein the communicationsmeans comprises a mobile phone.
 43. A server as claimed in claim 42,wherein the communications identifier is the phone number of the mobilephone.
 44. A server as claimed in claim 31, further comprising gamesprogram means stored in storage means of the server or storage means ofthe communications means to facilitate the entry of the player in thegame.
 45. A gaming system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the gamesprogram means is transferable to the storage means of the communicationsmeans from the storage means of the server.
 46. A gaming system asclaimed in claim 44, wherein the games program means is operable tofacilitate selection by the player of the game to be entered from aplurality of games.
 47. A server as claimed in claim 31, wherein the setof winning criteria comprises a set of numbers or a winner of acompetition. 48-50. (canceled)
 51. A computer program comprisinginstructions for controlling a processor to perform the method claimedin claim
 1. 52. A computer readable storage medium comprising thecomputer program claimed in claim 48.